Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling
Julie Gromosky
Liberty University
Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling
Summary
In his book, Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling, McMinn (1996) teaches the reader how integration is done, and when to do it, while counseling. He also teaches about prayer, scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness and redemption. McMinn explains it, then shows how to do it, and gives warning signs. Basically, the counselee should be prepared to hear what the Bible has to say, for each of these disciplines. He says there are “two secret places in counselors’ lives” (McMinn, 1996, p. xi). Behind closed doors. The second, is about the “secret spiritual life of the Christian counselors” (McMinn, 1996, p. xi).
McMinn (1996) says, “the power of change is found in the therapeutic relationship” (p. 3), it is referred to a nonspecific factor. That is the first and most important part of the counseling session. He says, counselors are just as confused as the counselee (McMinn, 1996). McMinn does a good job making clear the integration process. Some counselors reject theology, while other completely embrace it. One goal of a Christian counselor is to find the right approach to help the client feel closer to God (McMinn 1996). It is also good that counselors are aware of their own spirituality. He says that it is not enough to counsel using only theology and psychology. It takes years, in most cases to develop spirituality, and it comes from within. Can it be turned off after you leave the office?
Christian counseling may work well, however McMinn (1996) says “the relationship may be prone to self-serving distortion, manipulation and abuse” (p. 43). He also cautions the indications of excessive dependence, monitoring feelings of transference (McMinn, 1993). As the clients feels secure and trusting, he is...